The US will also provide missile support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, and other related elements of programme support services.

Weapons supplied under both the sales will provide South Korea with a credible defence capability to counter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defence, as well as enhance interoperability with the US forces.

Prime contractors for both sales include Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed and Kaman Precision Products.

Image: An F-15 Silent Eagle aircraft during its flight. Photo: Courtesy of Boeing.